To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs pursuant to the answer of 22 June 2009, Official Report, columns 629-30W, on Afghanistan: detainees, what the role of the (a) government and (b) Governor of Bermuda is in respect of Bermudese foreign affairs; and if he will make a statement. (283326)

The Governor has responsibility for the conduct of any business of the Bermuda Government with respect to the external affairs of Bermuda in accordance with section 62 of the Bermuda Constitution. The Government of Bermuda have been delegated, subject to certain conditions, authority under a 1968 General Entrustment to negotiate and conclude agreements in certain specified areas with other countries. Other entrustments have also been issued at various times authorising specific negotiations.